Forming head arrangement



July 26, 1938. F. E. WELLER FORMING HEAD ARRANGEMENT Filed Oct. 23, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 XNVENTOR film/5E. Wile/ July 26, 1938. F. E. WELLER FORMING HEAD ARRANGEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 23, 1956 INVENTOR Eran/13E. Weller ATTORNEY Patented July 26, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FORMING HEA D ARRANGEMENT My invention relates to an arrangement or mechanism for manipulating either one or more single wires, or one or more strands, the latter comprising a plurality of wires disposed in hellcal formationbut not necessarily set in said helical formation, the aforesaid single wires or strands being either circular or non-circular as desired.

. My invention has more particular reference to a manipulating arrangement, as aforesaid, constructedhs a forming head utilizable for changing the form on for setting wires or strands.

My invention has further reference to various improved] features of a forming head which renders the same operable in a highly satisfactory manner for the manipulation of wires or strands in the manner noted. I

Vrious lother objects, advantages and characteristicsof my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

My invention resides in the arrangement, mechanism, forming head, features and advantages of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

This-application is a continuation iii part of my pending application Serial No. 60,200, flled J anuary 22, 1936. I

For an understanding of my invention and for an illustration of one of the many forms thereof, reference is to be had to the accompany drawings, in which: v

Figure 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, showing a forming head arrangement as constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the forming head arrangement shown in Fig. 1';

Fig. 3 is an enlarged elevationalwiew, partly in section, of a spindle-supporting assembly as constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Fi 3;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view, partly'in elevation, showing the forming head arrangement of my invention;

1 Fig. 6 is an elevational view, partly in section, showing a modified spindle as constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the spindle-supporting assembly of my invention;

Fig. 9 is an elevational view of a modified guiding slot arrangement for a wire or strand;

Fig. 10 is antelevational view showing another modified guiding slot arrangement for a wire or strand; and

Fig. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in, section, of a modified spindle-supporting assembly.

As shown on the drawings, the forming head of my invention comprises a main shaft I which is adapted to carry a front disk 2, a rear disk 3 and a guide plate 4.

In accordance with a preferred form of the invention, the front disk 2 is secured in fixed position to the shaft I, and the rear disk 3 is secured to said shaft Iin such manner that it may readily be adjusted longitudinally, but not rotatably, thereof. 7

To this end, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the shaft I may have its diameter at the end thereof reduced as shown at Ia so as to form a seat for the hub 20 of the disk 2, said hub 2a being maintained in position by a nut member 5, and rotation of said hub 2a with respect tosaid shaft end- In. being suitably prevented, as by a key 6, Fig. 2, which is received in adjacent slotted portions of the hub 2a. and the reduced shaft end Ia.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the disk 3 is formed with a hub So having an internal diameter such that said hub may be freely moved longitudinally of the shaft I in the manner hereinafter described.' Coactable with opposite faces of the hub 3a are the respective nut members 7 and 8 which are threaded to a threaded section lb of the shaft I. Rotation of the disk 3 on the shaft I is suitably prevented, as by a key 9 which is received in adjacent slotted portions of the hub 3a and said shaft I. As will readily be understood,

one of the nuts 7, 8 may be loosened, whereupon the disk 3 may be moved longitudinally along the shaft i toward the loosened nut and then the other nut may be tightened so as to clamp said disk 3 in its position to which adjusted. The arrangement thus described constitutes a satisfactory means for adjusting the distance between the two disks 2 and 3 for the purpose hereinafter described.

As shown, the above noted guide plate 4 comprises a hub 4a which carries one or more clamping screws I0 utilizable for positively retaining said guide plate 4 in an adjusted position on the shaft I. Further, as shown, the guide plate 4 is provided with a plurality of passages 4b distributed just within the periphery thereof.

In accordance with the invention, the hereinbefore described disks 2 and 3 are adapted to carry a plurality of spindles I l which are suitably spaced with respectto the shaft I outwardly of the periphery thereof. Each end of each spindle II is supported by a spindle-supporting assembly of novel construction as hereinafter to be described.

Thus, as shown particularly in Fig. 3, each spindle-supporting assembly comprises a set of coacting members I2 and I 3, the adjacent faces of these members preferably being shaped as shown so as to form a seat for the reduced spindle end Ila to be associated therewith,

'As illustrated on the drawings, each of the disks 2 and 3 is provided with a plurality of slots I4 which, individually, are disposed diametrically of the respective disks 2, 3 or substantially so. Each mediately adjacent opposite faces of eachslot I4,

in Fig. 2, the slots I4 in both disks are in alinement, pair by pair, longitudinally of the main shaft I. As iliustratedin Figs. 3 and 4, the assembly members I2 and I3, at their outer edges,

are providedwith flanges II which serve to guide and retain the sets of assembly members I2, I! in their respective slots II.

Further, by reference to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be noted that the structure of either disk 2 or 3, im-

is provided with the-respective threaded passages which receive the screws I6, respectively. Each screw I8 is provided with a head I8a and, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a pair of these heads I6a coact with the adjacent upper surfaces of each assembly member I3. Further, the structure of either disk 2 or 3, at the bottom of each slot ll, is provided with a threaded passage which, as

1 shown in Fig. 5, receives a screw II having a head IIa coactable with the adjacent face of the as- .sembly member I2. The reasons leading to the provision of the adjusting arrangement comprising the screws I6 and I! will be hereinafter re- "ferred to in detail.

In accordance with the invention, each of the upper members I! of the various spindle-supporting assemblies serves as a guide'for a wire or strand. To this end, each member I3, is formed with an open slot I3a extending approximately longitudinally of the shaft I. Further, as shown, one side wall I3b of the slot I3a preferably is curved as shown in Fig. a while the opposite side wall He preferably is plane.

In operation, a single wire or a strand Wub threaded through each of the passages lb of the guide plate 4, through each slot Ila of the respective members I! of the disk I, passed once around each spindle II as shown in Fig. 1, and then through each slot Ila of the respective members I3 of the disk 2, all of the wires or strands W then passing through the usual sizing die I8, Fig. 1, so that said wires or strands may be properly positioned on the-core WI which passes through the center of the main shaft I. After the guide plate 4 has been adjusted to a desired rotated position circumferentially of the shaft I so as to cause the wires or strands to enter the slots Ila of the disk 3 in proper angular relation, the forming head arrangement is caused to rotate at proper speed by power applied to the shaft I and the usual drum mechanism beyond the die I8 is placed in operation to cause the wires or strands W and the core WI to be drawn first through the forming head arrangement herein described and then through the die I8.

As clearly appears from a consideration of Fig. l, the single wires or strands W, by reason of the fact that they are drawn around the respective spindles II under tension, are shaped or, given a "set configuration as indicated at s, Fig. 1. Ac-

cordingly, the single wires or strands as thus shaped or set, when drawn through the sizing die I8, more or less automatically assume their proper positions, respectively, so as to formthe cable C. With the form of the invention herein illustrated, the strands W, beyond the forming head arrangement, are actual strands and they are illustrated as of regular lay" configuration. As well, it will be understood, said last named strands, beyond said forming head arrangement, may be of the lang lay configuration if desired. Further, it will be understood, depending on the positions of the members or inserts II in their respective slots.

that the lay may be either right or left as desired. Thus,- if a member or insert it is associated with the rear disk 3 when positioned as shown in Fig. 'l

and another member ,or insert I3 is associated with the front disk 2 when positioned as shown in Fig. 8, a right lay wire or strand is produced. I!

a member or insert I3 is associated with the front disk 2 whenpositioned asshown in Fig. 7 and anothersrnember or insert I3 is associated with the rear disk 3 when positioned as shown in Fig. 8, a left lay wire or strand is produced.

As hereinbefore stated, the disk 3 may be moved either toward or from the disk 2 by unloosening the nut member I. or 8 and then tightening the unloosened nut member against the face of the disk hub 3a. Aswill readily be understood,'this may be done while the single wires or strands W are operably associated with the respective spindles but, preferably, after said single wires or strands W have been slackened to some extent at the Ieft of the disk 3. By so doing, thelay" or pitch of said wires or strands W may be decreased or increased to thereby facilitate the proper positioning of the shaped or set wires or strands in cable or rope formation C at the sizing die I8.

An adjusting operation of the character described above is performed in those cases when. the lay or pitch of the wires or strands is tof be decreased or increased to a slight extent. If the lay or pitch is to be decreased or increased substantially, or if the helix diameter is to bethe disk 3 from the disk 2, then substituting one set of spindles for theother and then returning the disk 3 to its operative position. Before doing this, the wires or strands W at the left of disk 3 should be slackened, then the sections .of said wires or strands in the slots I 3a of the members I3 are movedtherefrom and placed upon adjacent surfaces of the disks 2 and 3, for example. At this time, one set of spindles may be substituted for the other set whereupon the wires or strands may again be placed in operative position with the slots I3a and with respect to the respective spindles II. The foregoing may be accomplished by virtue of the utilization of the open-slot members I3. The provision of these members, then is of importance in accordance with the invention because, if theywere not provided, it would probably be necessary to cut the wires or strands when substituting one set of spindles for another. Moreover, these open-slot members I! are of distinct importance in connection with the initial threading of the forming head.

As regards the form of the invention hereinbefore described in connection with Figs. 1-5 inc., eachend- Ila of a spindle II has a suitable bearing arrangement, including a thrust washer 20, between the members I2, I3 of any spindlesupporting assembly so that said spindles II are freely rotatable under the influence of the respective wires or strands W which are shaped thereon. This is a feature of decided importanceamass-i connection with an arrangement of this character and as shown in Fig. 5, the reduced ends are! the spindles H should be of such length that the above noted adjustments of the disk 3 may readily be effected without rendering the rotatable bearings for the various spindles unsatisfactory from an operating view point.

Under some circumstances, the spindles H may be of the non-rotatable type in which case an arrangement of the character shown in Fig. 6

may be employed. Thus, each end D of a' spindle H of Fig. 6 may be of square or other suitable configuration, such end being received in a corresponding seat between the members l2, l3 of the spindle-supporting assembly.

As stated, the inserts or members ll of the spindle-supporting or -bearing assemblies are detachable from the slots II, this being readily accomplished after the various screws i5 have been removed. This is highly advantageous because these members l3, at their curved surfaces I3b, take the abrasive .wear of the wires or 'strands. Even though formed of suitable wearresisting material, they are subject to considerable wear and must be replaced at times, this, obviously being accomplished in a ready manner as stated.

I Further, as disclosed, the bottom surface of each slot i3a of an insert member [3 is disposed, preferably, substantially flush with respect to the peripheral surfaces of the respective spindles II. This is advantageous because facilitating the proper passage of the wires or strands along the spindles ll.

The .hereinbefore described screws I 8 may be retracted whereupon the screws i1 may be operated to change the position of the spindle bearing assemblies in their respective slots as desired. In so doing, the spindles ii are moved either toward or from the shaft 1 without any substantial change in the inclination of said spindles. This is done so that the shaped wires or strands automatically take the proper positions in the sizing zone, the arrangement rendering this adjustment possible being of distinct importance in connection with the invention. The adjustment of the spindles II as just described is accomplished advantageously by reason of the provision of the alined pairs of slots I l in the respective disks 2 and 3, the slots ll of each pair of slots being inclined and disposed in substantially parallel relation so as to provide parallel, inclined trackways for movement of the bearing assemblies under the control of the respective screws ll.

As herein disclosed, the disks 2, 3 are of dishformation and. therefore, the above noted pairs of parallel, inclined slots ll may readily be provided. In addition, as will be noted, each of the disks 2, 3 is provided with a plurality of strengthening ribs 23 disposed on the front disk surfaces so as to resist fracture of the disks when subjected to the strain of the wires or strands 1mdergoing the setting operation. By virtue of the provision of these ribs 23, the disks 2 and 3 may be maintained at minimum thinness with the result that the slots lia may be of minimum length to thereby decrease friction, wear, etc.

In order further to decrease friction and wear, each insert or member I 3 may-comprise a roller 2| of wear-resisting metal, Fig. 9, this roller being disposed at a suitable angle, for example, a right angle tothe path of travel of the wire or strand which engages therewith. Alternatively, further to reduce friction and for other desirable purposes, a roller 22 having a curved, sloping face such, for example, as illustratedin Fig. 10

may be associated with each insert ii.

In Fig. 11, I have illustrated a modified form of spindle-supporting or bearing assembly adapted particularly for association with each slot ll of the front disk 2 although, if desired, spindle-supporting assemblies such as illustrated in Fig. 11 may be associated with the respective or left slot 24a and, if desired, a roller 2|, 22 or equivalent as hereinbefore described may be associated with said slot 24a. The lower member 25 is formed with a plurality of circular recesses 25a having cooperative therewith a circular tooth or pin'26 upstanding from the head "a of the adjusting screw l1. Positioning pins 21 are associated with the members 24, 25 and said upper member 24 comprises opposite flattened sections with which the respective screw heads lid coact.

With the arrangement of Fig. 11, the screws 5 6 may be retracted whereupon the members 24, 25 may be elevated from. the tooth 26 and partially rotated in one direction or the other. Then, said members 24, 25 may be re-seated, a different recess 25a receiving the tooth 26, and the screws Ii returned to clamping position. In this manner, the spindle-supporting assembly may be clamped in a desired position circumferentially of the associated spindle I I.

Assuming that the end slot I4 of the front disk 2 is equipped with a spindle-supporting assembly as illustrated in Fig. 11, one or more of these assemblies may be adjusted as just described to increase or decrease the helix diameter and to somewhat change the path of travel of one or more of the single wires or strands W whereby a the various single wires or strands assume a better fitting relation just prior to or at the time that they enter the die l8. An arrangement of the character illustrated in Fig. 11 is useful particularly in connection with non-circular single wires or strands although such an arrangement is also useful with circular single wires or strands.

As shown in Fig. 2, it is desirable that the front face of the disk 2 exhibit a plurality of concentrically arranged marks 28 which are segments of circles concentric with respect to the shaft I." These marks 28 may be calibrated in a predetermined manner so as to assist the operator when adjusting the spindles H under the control of the respective screws l'l.

When an adjustment is effected by movement of the disk 3 either toward or from the disk 2 as hereinbefore described, it will be understood that the various screws I6 should be retracted to some extent so as to permit the spindle-support,

ing assemblies to take new non-binding positions strands. However, the invention is not to be thus limited because, in an advantageous manner, the open slot arrangement of the inserts l3 and" the spindles associated therewith cooperate for the desirable control at three-corner, fiat, or strands or wires or other shapes. Further,

the rollers of Figs. 9 and 10 function in a satis;

factory manner for the control of strands or wires of the configuration just described.

It will be understood that the forming head arrangement of my invention may be adapted for the shaping or setting of any desired number of wires or strands. As herein illustrated, there are six spindles and a corresponding number of bearing assemblies for each spindle end. As well, if desiredpa greater or less number of spindles may be utilized as desired.

While-the invention has been described with respect to certain particular preferred examples which give satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modifications maybe made without departing -from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all suchchanges and modifications.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, spindles rotatably carried by said disks for shaping the respective single wires or strands, means for adjusting one disk along said shaft with respect to the other disk while said spindles remain operatively associated therewith, and means for adjusting the bearings for said spindles radially with respect to said shaft.

2. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, 2. spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, and members detachably carried by the, respective disks at opposite ends of said spindle, said members taking the abrasive action of said wires or strands as the latter approach and leave said spindle. g

3. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, ,a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, and members carried by the respective disks at opposite ends of said spindle, each of said members being provided with a slot having an open side at or adjacent the periphery of its supporting disk.

4. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, and members carried by the respective disks at opposite ends of said spindle, each of said members being provided with a slot having an open side at or adjacent the periphery of its supporting disk, the bottom of each slot being substantially flush with respect to the spindle surface.

guesses spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, and bearing assemblies carried by the respective disks at opposite ends of said spindle, each bearing assembly comprising a member provided with a slot for the passage therethrough of a single wire or strand.

6. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, bearing assemblies carried by the respective disks at opposite ends of said spindle, and means for adjusting each bearing assembly toward or from said main shaft.

7. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, bearing assemblies carried by the respective disks for supporting the opposite ends of said spindle respectively, and means whereby each bearing assembly may be adjusted along a path toward or from said shaft, said paths being disposed in substantially parallel relation.

8. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, in-

clined spindles carried by said disks for shaping the respective single wires or strands, v said toward or from said shaft while maintaining substantially constant the inclination of said spindle with respect to said shaft.

10. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks'secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks and inclined with respect to said shaft for shaping a single wire or strand, slots disposed within the periphery of the respective disks for guiding the single wire or strand toward and from said spindle, each of said slots having an open side at or adjacent the periphery of its supporting disk, the slots in the respective disks being alined in pairs substantially longitudinally of said shaft, and a plurality of ribs disposed on one face of each disk to thereby strengthen the same so that the disk thickness and the length of said slots may be at a minimum.

11. In a head utilizable for the manipulation of single wires or strands, a main shaft, front and rear disks secured thereto in spaced relation, a spindle carried by said disks for shaping a single wire or strand, and an assembly carried by the front disk for hearing or supporting the adjacent end of said spindle, said assembly comprising a member provided with a slot for the passage therethrough of a single wire or strand, and means for adjusting said assembly circumferentially of said spindle.

FRANK! E. WELLER. 

